Is my truck big enough? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

teeitup · 02-03-2011, 10:38 PM

Sorry to bother you I ended up passing on it so disreguard. I have a 05 ext cab 2500 shortbed chevy 4x4 with 6.0 and AT, would it pull a 40 enclosed fifth wheel tripple axle trailer with 2 trucks in it? I've never been around fifth wheels or enclosed trailers so any help is appreciated. Thanks Randy

fastwillie 696969 · 02-03-2011, 10:46 PM

yeah it will pull it but will it stop it is the >?

Sillyoldman · 02-03-2011, 10:54 PM

Hi Randy. I've seen it done. Not sure what it entails aside from brakes. Maybe some airbags? That kind of weight is deserving of a trailer shop inquery if you do not find the answer here.

67ChevyRedneck · 02-03-2011, 11:21 PM

Is this a one time thing? Is it worth installing a 5th wheel in the bed for just one tow?

I really don't know, but it sounds like it might be pushing it for a gas powered 2500. The specs for your truck and trailer should be floating around the net somewhere, don't forget to add the weight of any gear or parts in the cab/bed.

Bus Ted Knuckle · 02-03-2011, 11:22 PM

Randy, I'd sure hate to see you run into trouble pulling a load that big with a 3/4 ton truck.

teeitup · 02-03-2011, 11:27 PM

Thanks guys for your input I appreciate it. I was thinking it may be pushing it. I just found a great deal on this trailer and I've been wanting a enclosed one just not this big. I think I will just pass and wait for a 20 foot pull behind. Thanks again, Randy

**Dieselwrencher** · 02-03-2011, 11:34 PM

Randy, if you have electric brakes and air bags, you could manage it. You would definitely want air bags on the rear to help keep the front of your truck down and your head lights out of the sky. The 5th wheel and gooseneck trailers are easier to control when in hairy situations too.

bigoates · 02-04-2011, 04:41 PM

Hey I have been thinking of doing the same thing, however as a twist I really want to replace my fleetside bed with a stepside on my 03.

Has anyone ever seen a gooseneck kit for a stepside??

I have the 8.1 motor in my truck so pulling wont be an issue, main issue is the room in the bed..

**N2TRUX** · 02-04-2011, 05:33 PM

If the 40' trailer is a smoking deal, buy it and trade or flip it to get a 20ish trailer
Posted via Mobile Device

**ybnaford** · 02-04-2011, 08:32 PM

Kit for the step side, if you go with the reversable ball in the bed the plate assembly goes to both frame rails and would be the same for a fleet side. The big unit that bolts from the top in the bed and uses a ball on the trailer might be pushing it as far as width of the unit. To give you an example of a smaller version other than a 2500. I have an 04' 1500 Ext Cab, 5.3 with 3.73's and came equipped with a factory tow package. i.e.tranny cooler and the gearing. I did alot of research on the capabilities of my truck as far as max tow and trailer size and weight. Once I determined the max trailer size, I purchased a 25' United V-Nose rated at 10-11k. 5300 lb axles. 3534 lbs empty. I then had to do the upgrades to my truck to be able to handle not only the truck but the trailer. I installed EBC crossdrilled and slotted rotors on all four corners with Hawk performance ceramic pads. Added a Craig electric brake controller which was a plug-n-play for trailer brakes. I added Airlift rear bags rated for 2000lbs for a 1500 Truck. The ones for the 2500 are 5000 lbs.
Upgraded all my fluids, Rear Diff, Tranny, transfer case, engine and coolant system with Royal Purple products. I then Purchased a Reese Weight distribution hitch assembly rated at 1000 lbs tongue and 10k trailer. With the bags air'd up, bed full of moving boxes and a very weighted down trailer I moved from MD to CO. Truck and Trailer performed fantastically. Big hills were a bit of a challenge but got up them just fine. We weighed the trailer on my father-in-laws farm scales in NE to see what the total weight of the trailer was and it was right at 11k (10,910 lbs). If it had not been for all the research I did to see what I could and could not do, I probably would have tore up my truck and been sitting by the road stranded somewhere in mid america. If you are going to use this for a frequent tower, you definitely want to do your homework and not destroy your ride. Good Luck.

clinebarger · 02-04-2011, 09:42 PM

The trailer having more tires than your truck is a red flag to me. You need a dually in my opinion.

andrewmp6 · 02-08-2011, 01:23 AM

I wouldn't try it with your truck the trailer is too big.I wouldn't pull something that big unless i had a dually and diesel.

teeitup · 02-08-2011, 09:21 AM

Thanks guys I decided to pass on it. Randy

02-03-2011, 10:38 PM	#1
teeitup Just like to part out trucks!! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Meriden, Ks-North of Topeka 10 miles Posts: 27,395	Is my truck big enough? Sorry to bother you I ended up passing on it so disreguard. I have a 05 ext cab 2500 shortbed chevy 4x4 with 6.0 and AT, would it pull a 40 enclosed fifth wheel tripple axle trailer with 2 trucks in it? I've never been around fifth wheels or enclosed trailers so any help is appreciated. Thanks Randy __________________ 67 Chev swb stepside 4x4 283 4 speed SOLD 72 blazer 4x4 4 speed Cheyenne 72 GMC swb 4x4 fleet 4 speed, original paint 1958 Cameo (one of 1405 built, it was my dads) 2020 chevy Apex 4x4 crew cab 1969 Z28 with the 302 1980 chevy swb 4x4 1964 chevell Malibu SS 1976 K20, sold new originally out of my dads chevy dealership Members that I've met, over 200 probably closer to 300 in the 12 years I've been on this site, everyone I met "It was a pleasure" Last edited by teeitup; 02-08-2011 at 09:21 AM.

02-03-2011, 10:46 PM	#2
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	Re: Is my truck big enough? yeah it will pull it but will it stop it is the >? __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex

02-03-2011, 10:54 PM	#3
Sillyoldman #16876 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Auburn WA Posts: 12,266	Re: Is my truck big enough? Hi Randy. I've seen it done. Not sure what it entails aside from brakes. Maybe some airbags? That kind of weight is deserving of a trailer shop inquery if you do not find the answer here. __________________ Posted via Stationary Device '71 Custom Deluxe C-20 402. '67 Buick Special 455. '49 Plymouth Special Deluxe. *"I love that old car smell"* *Some people are like Slinkies... not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.* Last edited by Sillyoldman; 02-03-2011 at 11:39 PM.

02-03-2011, 11:21 PM	#4
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Is my truck big enough? Is this a one time thing? Is it worth installing a 5th wheel in the bed for just one tow? I really don't know, but it sounds like it might be pushing it for a gas powered 2500. The specs for your truck and trailer should be floating around the net somewhere, don't forget to add the weight of any gear or parts in the cab/bed. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

02-03-2011, 11:22 PM	#5
Bus Ted Knuckle Son of a gun Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas Posts: 1,636	Re: Is my truck big enough? Randy, I'd sure hate to see you run into trouble pulling a load that big with a 3/4 ton truck. __________________ Bill BEATERS ARE NEATER

02-03-2011, 11:27 PM	#6
teeitup Just like to part out trucks!! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Meriden, Ks-North of Topeka 10 miles Posts: 27,395	Re: Is my truck big enough? Thanks guys for your input I appreciate it. I was thinking it may be pushing it. I just found a great deal on this trailer and I've been wanting a enclosed one just not this big. I think I will just pass and wait for a 20 foot pull behind. Thanks again, Randy __________________ 67 Chev swb stepside 4x4 283 4 speed SOLD 72 blazer 4x4 4 speed Cheyenne 72 GMC swb 4x4 fleet 4 speed, original paint 1958 Cameo (one of 1405 built, it was my dads) 2020 chevy Apex 4x4 crew cab 1969 Z28 with the 302 1980 chevy swb 4x4 1964 chevell Malibu SS 1976 K20, sold new originally out of my dads chevy dealership Members that I've met, over 200 probably closer to 300 in the 12 years I've been on this site, everyone I met "It was a pleasure"

02-03-2011, 11:34 PM	#7
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: Is my truck big enough? Randy, if you have electric brakes and air bags, you could manage it. You would definitely want air bags on the rear to help keep the front of your truck down and your head lights out of the sky. The 5th wheel and gooseneck trailers are easier to control when in hairy situations too. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

02-04-2011, 04:41 PM	#8
bigoates Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Long Isand, NY Posts: 66	Re: Is my truck big enough? Hey I have been thinking of doing the same thing, however as a twist I really want to replace my fleetside bed with a stepside on my 03. Has anyone ever seen a gooseneck kit for a stepside?? I have the 8.1 motor in my truck so pulling wont be an issue, main issue is the room in the bed..

02-04-2011, 05:33 PM	#9
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Is my truck big enough? If the 40' trailer is a smoking deal, buy it and trade or flip it to get a 20ish trailer Posted via Mobile Device

02-04-2011, 08:32 PM	#10
ybnaford Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Elizabeth, Colorado Posts: 38	Re: Is my truck big enough? Kit for the step side, if you go with the reversable ball in the bed the plate assembly goes to both frame rails and would be the same for a fleet side. The big unit that bolts from the top in the bed and uses a ball on the trailer might be pushing it as far as width of the unit. To give you an example of a smaller version other than a 2500. I have an 04' 1500 Ext Cab, 5.3 with 3.73's and came equipped with a factory tow package. i.e.tranny cooler and the gearing. I did alot of research on the capabilities of my truck as far as max tow and trailer size and weight. Once I determined the max trailer size, I purchased a 25' United V-Nose rated at 10-11k. 5300 lb axles. 3534 lbs empty. I then had to do the upgrades to my truck to be able to handle not only the truck but the trailer. I installed EBC crossdrilled and slotted rotors on all four corners with Hawk performance ceramic pads. Added a Craig electric brake controller which was a plug-n-play for trailer brakes. I added Airlift rear bags rated for 2000lbs for a 1500 Truck. The ones for the 2500 are 5000 lbs. Upgraded all my fluids, Rear Diff, Tranny, transfer case, engine and coolant system with Royal Purple products. I then Purchased a Reese Weight distribution hitch assembly rated at 1000 lbs tongue and 10k trailer. With the bags air'd up, bed full of moving boxes and a very weighted down trailer I moved from MD to CO. Truck and Trailer performed fantastically. Big hills were a bit of a challenge but got up them just fine. We weighed the trailer on my father-in-laws farm scales in NE to see what the total weight of the trailer was and it was right at 11k (10,910 lbs). If it had not been for all the research I did to see what I could and could not do, I probably would have tore up my truck and been sitting by the road stranded somewhere in mid america. If you are going to use this for a frequent tower, you definitely want to do your homework and not destroy your ride. Good Luck. __________________ 04' Silverado 1500 ExtCab, 4x4, SWB - 240,000 & still Going, 62' C10 SWB, Stepside - Ole Green Girl!

02-04-2011, 09:42 PM	#11
clinebarger Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 6,370	Re: Is my truck big enough? The trailer having more tires than your truck is a red flag to me. You need a dually in my opinion.

02-08-2011, 01:23 AM	#12
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: Is my truck big enough? I wouldn't try it with your truck the trailer is too big.I wouldn't pull something that big unless i had a dually and diesel.

02-08-2011, 09:21 AM	#13
teeitup Just like to part out trucks!! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Meriden, Ks-North of Topeka 10 miles Posts: 27,395	Re: Is my truck big enough? Thanks guys I decided to pass on it. Randy __________________ 67 Chev swb stepside 4x4 283 4 speed SOLD 72 blazer 4x4 4 speed Cheyenne 72 GMC swb 4x4 fleet 4 speed, original paint 1958 Cameo (one of 1405 built, it was my dads) 2020 chevy Apex 4x4 crew cab 1969 Z28 with the 302 1980 chevy swb 4x4 1964 chevell Malibu SS 1976 K20, sold new originally out of my dads chevy dealership Members that I've met, over 200 probably closer to 300 in the 12 years I've been on this site, everyone I met "It was a pleasure"



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